After the Olympic postponement last year the Summer Games in Tokyo will now take place from 23 July to 8 August 2021. In the World Cup races in Albstadt and Nove Mesto, the cross-country elite were still fighting for the Olympic qualification for Tokyo. Especially in strong nations such as France, Italy and Switzerland, established top 20 riders first had to secure their Olympic place with strong results.
In contrast to the World Cup, the starting field at the Olympic Games is manageable. Only 38 men and 38 women are allowed to compete in the mountain bike races - including a few exotic riders who are unlikely to be fighting for the top places. The winners of the first World Cups have been crowned - are they also the favourites for Tokyo 2021?
Who are the medal contenders?
Also for the U23 world champion Tom Pidcock was still in contention for a starting place for the MTB race in Tokyo in the first two World Cups. In Albstadt, the 21-year-old Briton stormed from the back of the grid to fifth place, in Nove Mesto he left superstar Mathieu van der Poel standing, won in commanding style and secured his Olympic qualification. This means that the all-rounder is also one of the favourites on the 2.5 kilometre long, technically demanding Olympic course among the gold favourites.
In addition to Pidcock Mathieu van der Poel naturally the top favourite. Before finishing second in Nove Mesto, he sprinted to victory in both short track races. The Dutchman has announced that he will be pulling out of the Tour de France early in order to start the Olympics well rested.
With Mathias Flückiger and Rio Olympic champion Nino Schurter Switzerland also has two medal hopes at the start. In the women's race, all signs point to gold for France on 27 July. Shooting star and U23 world champion Loana Lecomte dominated this season's World Cups.
Winners: The BIKE editors' favourites for the Olympics
BDR nominates German mountain bike team
The names of the two German men and women in Tokyo have also been finalised. Officially nominated by the BDR (German Cycling Federation) are Elisabeth Brandau and Ronja Eibl. In the men's category Max Brandl and Manuel Fumic received their tickets and can pack their bags for Tokyo. Read more about the German Olympic nominations here >>
Do not miss the Broadcast of the MTB races on TV and in the livestream. On 26 July it's the men's turn, on 27 July the women will be fighting for the medals. The mountain bike races will start at 15:00 local time in Japan, which corresponds to 08:00 in the morning German time. On the day of the men's race, the ZDFthe following day, ARD.
